If you are a frequent reader you know that I see .com city geo domain as the likely successors to traditional local print, audio and video media outlets in the years ahead. In  addition to carrying the local "brand name", a  city geo domain provides a platform that allows 

instant global dissemination of any form of media at a fraction of the cost required to do the same thing in a very limited geographical area through today's newspaper, radio and TV platforms. So, a new report from research firm Borrell Associates stating that "independent city dot-coms could emerge as a formidable foe to their “more mature media brethren” came as no surprise to me.

Borrell charges $995 for the full report titled What’s a Web Site Worth? Valuation Metrics For Local Web Sites, but there is an excellent summary on the Associated Cities website that is free. The AC article notes Borrell's belief that "city dot-coms, as well as other “pure-play Web sites” are better positioned for growth than Internet assets developed around local newspapers." 

"Firm founder Gordon Borrell also indicated separately that city dot-coms are logical acquisition properties for media companies and that his firm will be making that recommendation in the coming months." In my case, Borrell is preaching to the choir - I have long been a believer that this is where the media world is headed. In addition to Associated Cities' excellent synopsis, a free executive summary of the report, which was produced in concert with the BIA Financial Network, can be downloaded here.
(Posted Sept. 18, 2008)